(aka: Our Very Official Family Research Project 🍦)

To kick off the summer, the kids and I set out on a mission: find the best ice cream in Kitchener-Waterloo—one cone at a time. Because really, is there any better way to celebrate the season than with a scoop (or two) of something sweet?

In honour of National Ice Cream Day (July 20, 2025), here’s the scoop: we’re sharing our favourite local ice cream shops in KW, complete with what we ordered, what we loved, and why these spots need to be on your must-visit list for summer treats in Waterloo Region.

Whether you’re after creamy soft serve, handcrafted gelato, or good old-fashioned sundaes, this list has something for every ice cream lover in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.

1. Ice Cream 2

Location: 1401 River Rd E, Kitchener

We’re kicking things off with Ice Cream 2, a classic that holds a special place in our hearts. It’s the closest shop to our house, and we’ve been going since they first opened. The variety is unreal—with over 48 flavours of hard ice cream, plus soft serve, slushies, funnel cakes, and even Dole Whip (Disney World flashbacks, anyone?).

What we got:

• Kendra: Pineapple + strawberry Dole Whip 🍍🍓 (instant sunshine in a cup)
• Wyatt: Brownie sundae—loaded with toppings
• Chloe: Cookies and Cream in a cone

Whether you’re stopping by after dinner or just craving something sweet, Ice Cream 2 is always a solid choice for families in Kitchener.

2. Sweet Caroline’s Ice Cream & Treats

Location: 1405 Ottawa Street N, Unit 102A, Kitchener

We were so excited when Sweet Caroline’s opened a new location just minutes from home! Their Kawartha Dairy ice cream is always a hit, but the new shop is next-level—beautifully styled with a café vibe and full of extra goodies like baked treats and specialty drinks.

What we got:

• Kendra: Cookies and Cream in a waffle cone
• Wyatt: Peanut Butter & Chocolate milkshake
• Chloe: Oreo Ice Cream Sundae

It’s quickly become one of our go-to spots for a mid-week pick-me-up or a little summer indulgence. Definitely worth a stop if you’re in East Kitchener!

3. Frannie’s Restaurant & Bakery

Location: 2890 Victoria St N, Breslau

While it’s a charming countryside restaurant and bakery just off Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph, Frannie’s is also a go-to for Kawartha Dairy ice cream, sky-high pies, and good old-fashioned comfort food. It’s warm, welcoming, and full of charm.

We made a full outing of it—lunch on the patio (highly recommend the fresh-cut fries), followed by a round of cones in the sunshine.

What we got:

• Kendra: Butter Tart Sundae (their signature dessert—and yes, it lives up to the hype!)
• Wyatt: Death by Chocolate in a cone
• Chloe: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough in a waffle cone

And yes, one of those legendary pies came home with us. 😉

4. Four All Ice Cream

Location: 75 King St S, Uptown Waterloo

Four All Ice Cream is for the flavour lovers out there—think small-batch, handcrafted ice cream made from real, locally sourced ingredients. Their shop in Uptown Waterloo is a fun stop, and the menu changes weekly, which keeps things exciting!

What we got:

• Kendra: Salted Caramel in a waffle cone
• Wyatt: Chocolate Milk Ice Cream in a waffle cone
• Chloe: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough in a cup

If you love experimenting with fun flavours (and supporting local), Four All is a must-visit.

5. Nani’s Gelato

Location: 325 Max Becker Dr, Kitchener (Williamsburg Town Centre)

Okay, so it’s technically not ice cream… but trust me, Nani’s Gelato had to make the list. Their handcrafted Italian gelato is rich, flavourful, and downright dreamy. You’ll find everything from classic scoops to soft-serve, shakes, gelato bars—and my personal favourite—affogatos (because espresso + gelato = pure magic).

What we got:

• Kendra: Affogato with caramel espresso ☕🍨 (and yes, I’m still thinking about it)
• Wyatt: Biscoff Nutella gelato 
• Chloe: Classic vanilla soft serve in a waffle cone

It’s the perfect spot when you’re craving something a little fancier than your typical cone—and totally worth the detour.

Final Scoop

Whether you’re staying close to home or exploring a new corner of the Kitchener-Waterloo region, there’s no shortage of ice cream shops and gelato stops to enjoy. Support local, try something new, and let your kids pick the biggest sundae on the menu—it’s what summer memories are made of. 

Have a favourite we missed? I’m always game for more “research.” 😉